How to Connect PC to DirecTV Receiver to Go Wireless

A DirecTV satellite receiver can be wirelessly connected to a PC so that the stations being transmitted can be viewed on the computer's monitor. A wireless video transmitter will be needed as well as a TV USB adapter -- both of these can be purchased at electronic stores or at selected hobby shops. No special skills are required and neither the DirecTV satellite receiver or the PC needs to be physically modified in any way.

Things You'll Need

• Wireless video transmission kit
• Composite cable
• Audio cable
• TV USB adapter
• Coax adapter
• Coaxial cable, 6 feet
• TV USB adapter installation disc

Instructions

1. Place the video transmitter from the wireless kit next to the DirecTV satellite receiver. Connect one end of a composite cable into the composite output on the receiver's back panel. Connect the composite cable's other end into the composite input on the transmitter.

2. Connect the red and white RCA plugs at one end of the audio cable into the red and white RCA audio outputs on the receiver's back panel. Connect the red and white RCA plugs at the other end of the audio cable into the red and white RCA audio inputs on the transmitter. Plug the transmitter's power cord into a wall socket for power.

3. Place the video receiver from the wireless kit next to the computer. Plug the receiver's power cord into a wall socket for power.

4. Connect one end of a coaxial cable into the coax output on the receiver. Connect the other end of the coaxial cable into the coax input on the coax adapter that is included with the TV USB adapter. Plug the other end of the coax adapter into the coax input on the TV USB adapter. Plug the TV USB adapter into a USB port on the computer.

5. Eject the disc tray of the DVD drive. Place the TV USB adapter installation disc on the tray and close the tray. Double-click the icon of the disc when it appears on the desktop. Double-click the program's icon inside of the window that appears. Follow the menu commands to install the program on the hard drive. Restart the PC.

6. Launch the TV USB adapter program by selecting it from the "Start" > "All Applications" pop-up menu. Leave the video window that appears on the desktop alone.

7. Turn the DirecTV satellite receiver on from the standby mode with its remote. Watch the TV channel that is being received by the satellite receiver on the TV USB adapter program's video window.

Tips & Warnings

• Standard-definition video is all that can be transmitted from the DirecTV satellite receiver.

References

• Gefen: GefenTV Wireless For HDMI - See the Manual

Resources

• cNet reviews: TV Tuner Adapters